Marianne and Wayne Hallock, owners of Hallock’s Cider Mill, have created a gnome tree on their property, which is located next to the bakery and farm stand. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)

Marianne and Wayne Hallock, owners of Hallock’s Cider Mill in Laurel, reside next door to the farm stand and bakery in an old North Fork farmhouse built in 1860.

After one heavy snowstorm last February, the top of a beautiful old maple tree — some 40 plus feet tall — was ripped off. While Wayne was trying to figure out how to cut the tree down, Marianne had other ideas.

She took to the internet and found some inspiration on Pinterest. (more…)

Hedgewood Farm co-owner and riding teacher Dawn Hommel sat on the side of the instruction ring in the warm sunlight Thursday afternoon softly commenting to Elle O’Neill, 7, of Peconic as the young student rode on a pony named ‘Pebbles’.

“Good girl. Keep smiling. Good old lady (the horse). Relax. Enjoy it. Have fun. That was awesome today kiddo,” she said. (more…)